Conversion of Britain

Overview

This 60-minute lesson explores why Britain was converted to Christianity, enabling pupils to understand the historical context, key events, and impact of this transformation. It is tailored to Year 6 students and fully aligned with the National Curriculum for England, focusing on developing historical enquiry, understanding chronology, and interpreting historical sources.

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Curriculum Links

History Programme of Study for Key Stage 2
Pupils should be taught to:

• “a study of an aspect or theme in British history that extends pupils’ chronological knowledge beyond 1066”
• “a non-European society that provides contrasts with British history” (optional)

Specific Learning Objectives for this Lesson:

• Describe and understand key aspects of the Christianisation of Britain (c. 597 CE onwards).
• Understand the reasons why Christianity spread across Britain and who the main figures were (e.g., St Augustine of Canterbury).
• Develop the skill of using a range of historical sources (primary and secondary) to interpret past events.
• Communicate historical knowledge and understanding clearly and accurately.

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Learning Outcomes

By the end of the lesson, pupils will be able to:

• Explain why Christianity was introduced to Britain.
• Identify key figures and events involved in the conversion.
• Describe how the conversion impacted British society and culture.
• Analyse and interpret historical sources related to early Christianity in Britain.

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Lesson Breakdown

1. Starter Activity (10 minutes)

“Timeline Challenge”

Objective: Activate prior knowledge of British history and place the conversion within a timeline.

• Pupils work in pairs.
• Provide each pair with 10 event cards (Roman Britain, Anglo-Saxon arrival, Christianisation, Viking invasions, etc.).
• Pupils arrange cards chronologically on desks/walls.
• Teacher introduces focus: “Where does the conversion to Christianity fit?”

National Curriculum Link: Understand chronology and place events in context.

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2. Introduction & Historical Context (10 minutes)

Direct Teaching with Visual Timeline & Map

• Teacher uses a large visual timeline and map of Britain c. 500–700 CE.
• Explain the context: Roman withdrawal, Anglo-Saxon pagan belief systems, and lack of central authority.
• Introduce St Augustine of Canterbury’s mission (sent by Pope Gregory the Great in 597 CE).

Engagement tip: Show a picture of the famous “Gregorian Mission” painting or artefacts like illuminated manuscripts.

National Curriculum Link: Develop chronologically secure knowledge of British history.

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3. Main Activity – Source Analysis & Role Play (25 minutes)

Part A: Source Analysis (15 minutes)

• Pupils are divided into four groups; each group receives one carefully selected source pack:

  1. Extract from Bede’s Ecclesiastical History of the English People (simplified version).
  2. Anglo-Saxon pagan belief description.
  3. Letters from Pope Gregory the Great.
  4. Archaeological artefacts/photos (e.g., Christian crosses, churches).

• Groups answer guided questions:

  • What does this source tell us about Christianity or pagan beliefs?
  • Why do you think Christianity was appealing to some Anglo-Saxon leaders?
  • How did Christianity spread beyond individuals to communities?

• Groups record responses on large flipchart paper.

Part B: Role Play (10 minutes)

• Each group embodies a historical figure or community (such as King Æthelberht of Kent, a pagan villager, a Christian monk).
• Role-play a short dialogue debating whether or not to accept Christianity, using quotes or facts from their sources.
• Teacher facilitates, encouraging use of historical language and empathy.

National Curriculum Link: Understand how people’s lives were affected by historical changes and interpret a range of sources.

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4. Plenary – Reflective Discussion & Exit Ticket (10 minutes)

• Class reconvenes for a whole-class reflective discussion on:

  • Why was the conversion to Christianity significant for Britain?
  • How did it change the way people lived, ruled, and communicated?
  • How do we know about these events?

• Pupils complete an “exit ticket” answering:

  • Name one key reason Britain converted to Christianity.
  • One interesting fact you learned today.
  • One question you still have.

National Curriculum Link: Communicate knowledge and understanding clearly and recognise the complexity of historical events.

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Resources Required

• Printed timeline event cards.
• Large timeline and map visuals (wall posters or PowerPoint slides).
• Source packs with simplified primary/secondary extracts.
• Flipchart or large paper and pens for group notes.
• Role play prompt cards.
• Exit ticket slips or mini whiteboards.

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Assessment Opportunities

• Formative assessment through observation during group work and role play.
• Written responses on flipchart paper for source analysis.
• Exit tickets provide evidence of individual understanding and misconceptions.
• Use assessment to inform next lessons on medieval Britain and Christian influence.

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Differentiation and Support

• Provide simplified source texts for lower ability pupils.
• Challenge higher ability pupils to think about political and cultural motives behind conversion, including power consolidation.
• For pupils with SEND, offer roles with clear prompts in the role play or visual aids during source work.

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WOW Factor Extension (Optional Homework)

Design a stained glass window that tells the story of Britain’s conversion to Christianity, using symbols and captions. Pupils present their design and justify chosen images in the following lesson.

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This lesson plan blends traditional historical enquiry with creative drama and source work to provide a memorable and rigorous exploration of why Britain was converted to Christianity, fully aligned with the National Curriculum expectations for Year 6 pupils.